What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discomfort
Example
The new shoes are causing me some discomfort. [discomfort: noun]
Example
I feel discomfort around large crowds. [discomfort: noun]
Example
The uncomfortable silence made everyone feel discomfort. [discomfort: noun]
pain
Example
She felt a sharp pain in her back. [pain: noun]
Example
The loss of her pet caused her great emotional pain. [pain: noun]
Example
The company's financial troubles are causing them pain. [pain: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pain is a more common word than discomfort in everyday language. Pain is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while discomfort is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discomfort and pain?
Both discomfort and pain can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although discomfort may be perceived as slightly more formal due to its less common usage.
